Exercises for Spasming Shoulders

by
AUBREY BAILEY Jan. 30, 2018

Aubrey Bailey

Aubrey Bailey has been writing health-related articles since 2009. Her articles have appeared in ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University at Buffalo, as well as a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College. Dr. Bailey is also a certified hand therapist.

Muscles often spasm on top of the shoulders.
Photo Credit: Deagreez/iStock/Getty Images

If you've ever felt like your shoulder was pulling up toward your ear or felt a bump in the middle of one of your shoulder muscles, you might have had a muscle spasm. Although spasms can develop after injury, they can also be caused by stress and poor posture. Exercises often help relieve tension in spasming shoulders.

Step 2

Trigger Point Massage

Muscles spasms often have trigger points -- particularly tight parts of the muscle that feel rock-hard. Use a tennis ball to treat trigger points.

Step 1

Roll the tennis ball on your shoulder until you find a trigger point. Hold the ball in place with firm pressure for 30 to 90 seconds. Repeat several times.

Step 2

Treat trigger points in the back of your shoulder by placing the tennis ball on a wall. Lean against the ball and slowly adjust your position until it is on the trigger point. Hold for 30 to 90 seconds and repeat several times.